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Topic: Hypothetical Question (Read 11209 times)

What if, in the rare chance, extra-terrestrials/aliens finally contacted humans and came to visit Earth. Imagine that other than physical appearance, they behaved and acted pretty much just like humans. If they showed an interest in Earth religions and wanted to convert to Orthodoxy, would we allow them to? Or would we still consider them less worthy then humans for some reason or reject them for some theological reason? Could they partake the Eucharist or was that only meant for humans? Could we even apply Orthodoxy to an entirely different species whom we know very little about and God might have already interacted with them in some way before? What do you think would happen? I imagine that this could possibly be an event large enough to trigger the next Ecumenical Council for us to decide on how to deal with this topic. In any case, how do you think this would all work out and what would the Church's stance be?

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who can watch the watchmen?"No one is paying attention to your post reports"Why do posters that claim to have me blocked keep sending me pms and responding to my posts? That makes no sense.

1Cor 15:21-22For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

We don't baptize anyting other than humans descended from Adam. How would aliens relate to the Chruch outside of the sacraments? I don't know, but if they are given the capacity to worship God, there must be a way for them to do so.

A human is a being with a physical body, a soul, and a nous. Consequently, an alien could be considered human for the purposes of the Church. All creation fell because of Adam, not just his descendants.

My thoughts are that I find it strange to believe that God would allow a sentient species capable of worshipping Him to go this long without working out a plan of salvation for them. What if God has already intervened in their world before and left them with a plan for salvation? Maybe teaching them Orthodoxy--which is our plan for salvation--would do more harm to them than good. For all we know, one of their native religions could be a religion that God worked out precisely for them just as Orthodoxy was made precisely for us.

My thoughts are that I find it strange to believe that God would allow a sentient species capable of worshipping Him to go this long without working out a plan of salvation for them. What if God has already intervened in their world before and left them with a plan for salvation? Maybe teaching them Orthodoxy--which is our plan for salvation--would do more harm to them than good. For all we know, one of their native religions could be a religion that God worked out precisely for them just as Orthodoxy was made precisely for us.

Unless their religion was Orthodoxy, it would not be the truth, and consequently - unless God has become a liar - could not be from Him. Besides, this same argument could be applied to any of countless groups of human beings on Earth, who have never, ever heard of Christianity, let alone Orthodox Christianity.

What if, in the rare chance, extra-terrestrials/aliens finally contacted humans and came to visit Earth. Imagine that other than physical appearance, they behaved and acted pretty much just like humans. If they showed an interest in Earth religions and wanted to convert to Orthodoxy, would we allow them to? Or would we still consider them less worthy then humans for some reason or reject them for some theological reason? Could they partake the Eucharist or was that only meant for humans? Could we even apply Orthodoxy to an entirely different species whom we know very little about and God might have already interacted with them in some way before? What do you think would happen? I imagine that this could possibly be an event large enough to trigger the next Ecumenical Council for us to decide on how to deal with this topic. In any case, how do you think this would all work out and what would the Church's stance be?

The Church's stance would be to not articulate a position until they are forced to do so, when what we call hypothetical becomes a reality.

When I visited the UFO Museum in Roswell recently (because you have to do touristy things when family come to visit from out of state, I suppose), one of the many examples of bad/good art found therein was a painting of a UFO hovering over a cathedral. I think if they came all that way and were interested in our churches, it'd be a bit rude not to open our doors to them, wouldn't it? To say nothing of the theological questions raised by the OP, I am reminded that in our liturgy (St. Basil) we do pray for the travelers, and I can't think of any that might better apply to than those who have traveled light years to see what we're all about.

But seriously, I don't know. In a religion where we have great saints like St. George who slew dragons, I would think that we are not bound by scientific possibilities, fossil records, SETI, etc. All creation is to bow down before the Lord, the Creator of all things both seen and unseen...

What if scenarios can be very entertaining as they are not logical but purely hypothetical.

Do not worry.

Father Seraphim of Platina, may his memory be eternal, has taught that aliens are diabolic.Just be sure that you have extra holy water on hand.

« Last Edit: June 09, 2012, 04:10:09 PM by Maria »

Logged

The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

My thoughts are that I find it strange to believe that God would allow a sentient species capable of worshipping Him to go this long without working out a plan of salvation for them. What if God has already intervened in their world before and left them with a plan for salvation? Maybe teaching them Orthodoxy--which is our plan for salvation--would do more harm to them than good. For all we know, one of their native religions could be a religion that God worked out precisely for them just as Orthodoxy was made precisely for us.

Unless their religion was Orthodoxy, it would not be the truth, and consequently - unless God has become a liar - could not be from Him. Besides, this same argument could be applied to any of countless groups of human beings on Earth, who have never, ever heard of Christianity, let alone Orthodox Christianity.

My thoughts are that I find it strange to believe that God would allow a sentient species capable of worshipping Him to go this long without working out a plan of salvation for them. What if God has already intervened in their world before and left them with a plan for salvation? Maybe teaching them Orthodoxy--which is our plan for salvation--would do more harm to them than good. For all we know, one of their native religions could be a religion that God worked out precisely for them just as Orthodoxy was made precisely for us.

Unless their religion was Orthodoxy, it would not be the truth, and consequently - unless God has become a liar - could not be from Him. Besides, this same argument could be applied to any of countless groups of human beings on Earth, who have never, ever heard of Christianity, let alone Orthodox Christianity.

Couldn't we just baptize them?

Excellent idea.

If the alien were to be a demon, he would be properly exorcised by the baptismal exorcisms. Poof.

« Last Edit: June 09, 2012, 04:29:25 PM by Maria »

Logged

The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

My thoughts are that I find it strange to believe that God would allow a sentient species capable of worshipping Him to go this long without working out a plan of salvation for them. What if God has already intervened in their world before and left them with a plan for salvation? Maybe teaching them Orthodoxy--which is our plan for salvation--would do more harm to them than good. For all we know, one of their native religions could be a religion that God worked out precisely for them just as Orthodoxy was made precisely for us.

Unless their religion was Orthodoxy, it would not be the truth, and consequently - unless God has become a liar - could not be from Him. Besides, this same argument could be applied to any of countless groups of human beings on Earth, who have never, ever heard of Christianity, let alone Orthodox Christianity.

Couldn't we just baptize them?

Excellent idea.

If the alien were to be a demon, he would be properly exorcised by the baptismal exorcisms. Poof.

Wait, if he was a demon and he was exorcised wouldn't he then tecnically dissapear? Am I completely missing the point here?

Logged

Do not be cast down over the struggle - the Lord loves a brave warrior. The Lord loves the soul that is valiant.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who can watch the watchmen?"No one is paying attention to your post reports"Why do posters that claim to have me blocked keep sending me pms and responding to my posts? That makes no sense.

My thoughts are that I find it strange to believe that God would allow a sentient species capable of worshipping Him to go this long without working out a plan of salvation for them. What if God has already intervened in their world before and left them with a plan for salvation? Maybe teaching them Orthodoxy--which is our plan for salvation--would do more harm to them than good. For all we know, one of their native religions could be a religion that God worked out precisely for them just as Orthodoxy was made precisely for us.

Unless their religion was Orthodoxy, it would not be the truth, and consequently - unless God has become a liar - could not be from Him. Besides, this same argument could be applied to any of countless groups of human beings on Earth, who have never, ever heard of Christianity, let alone Orthodox Christianity.

Couldn't we just baptize them?

Excellent idea.

If the alien were to be a demon, he would be properly exorcised by the baptismal exorcisms. Poof.

Wait, if he was a demon and he was exorcised wouldn't he then tecnically dissapear? Am I completely missing the point here?

I suppose he would disappear. That is why I typed: "Poof."

Either that or he/they would request to be sent into swine and then cascade off the cliff into the sea.

Logged

The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

My thoughts are that I find it strange to believe that God would allow a sentient species capable of worshipping Him to go this long without working out a plan of salvation for them. What if God has already intervened in their world before and left them with a plan for salvation? Maybe teaching them Orthodoxy--which is our plan for salvation--would do more harm to them than good. For all we know, one of their native religions could be a religion that God worked out precisely for them just as Orthodoxy was made precisely for us.

Unless their religion was Orthodoxy, it would not be the truth, and consequently - unless God has become a liar - could not be from Him. Besides, this same argument could be applied to any of countless groups of human beings on Earth, who have never, ever heard of Christianity, let alone Orthodox Christianity.

Couldn't we just baptize them?

Precisely what I was thinking; of course baptism would require proper indoctrination into the faith, followed by chrismation and the Eucharist, etc.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who can watch the watchmen?"No one is paying attention to your post reports"Why do posters that claim to have me blocked keep sending me pms and responding to my posts? That makes no sense.

What if, in the rare chance, extra-terrestrials/aliens finally contacted humans and came to visit Earth. Imagine that other than physical appearance, they behaved and acted pretty much just like humans. If they showed an interest in Earth religions and wanted to convert to Orthodoxy, would we allow them to? Or would we still consider them less worthy then humans for some reason or reject them for some theological reason? Could they partake the Eucharist or was that only meant for humans? Could we even apply Orthodoxy to an entirely different species whom we know very little about and God might have already interacted with them in some way before? What do you think would happen? I imagine that this could possibly be an event large enough to trigger the next Ecumenical Council for us to decide on how to deal with this topic. In any case, how do you think this would all work out and what would the Church's stance be?

Some say that all aliens are demons. There is an entire culture on youtube and the internet about aliens being demons. I don't know what I personally believe, but some of the videos are pretty crazy, some make sense. I don't personally believe in ET's from outer space.

I do have to admit that the Old Catholic Church sometimes seems appealing to me, seeing that I cannot accept Papal Infallibility. It interests me because the Catholics have more of an emphasis on reason and rationality whereas the Orthodox just see it as being the work of the Devil.

Quote

You are a born scholastic

I can't help it; I was raised in the western world, I'm a westerner etc.

Catholics have more of an emphasis on reason and rationality whereas the Orthodox just see it as being the work of the Devil.

Come on, really?

For crying out loud, we have Orthodox in this thread saying that UFOs are demons trying to deceive us. Need I say more?

And the logical (Western?) explanation is that they are explorers from a highly advanced civilization with nothing better to do than probe rednecks and put messages in cornfields?

In all fairness to that viewpoint, if aliens view themselves as highly advanced beings - when compared to us - it really wouldn't be any different to them than how we poke and prod animals to learn about them.

Catholics have more of an emphasis on reason and rationality whereas the Orthodox just see it as being the work of the Devil.

Come on, really?

For crying out loud, we have Orthodox in this thread saying that UFOs are demons trying to deceive us. Need I say more?

If you are referring to what I stated, I do not exactly believe that. I just said that "some people say it". There is a tremendous culture of people who believe it though, who I'd consider very educated.

Catholics have more of an emphasis on reason and rationality whereas the Orthodox just see it as being the work of the Devil.

Come on, really?

For crying out loud, we have Orthodox in this thread saying that UFOs are demons trying to deceive us. Need I say more?

If you are referring to what I stated, I do not exactly believe that. I just said that "some people say it". There is a tremendous culture of people who believe it though, who I'd consider very educated.

Father Seraphim of Platina, may his memory be eternal, has taught that aliens are diabolic.

I don't think that's precisely accurate. As I understand it, he taught that unexplainable UFOs are illusions or phenomena created by demons for the reason of distracting people and essentially directing their spiritual energies into ufology and alien paraphernalia, rather than searching for the truth and finding Christ. Maybe it's six of one and half-dozen of the other, but there is a distinction IMO.

To the OP, I personally don't believe there are other sentient beings out there. Rare Earth Hypothesis and all that. Certainly there are none skimming the skies of our humble planet.

But for argument's sake, I would say their salvation would be wrought the same way as the rest of Creation—by Christ's life, death, and resurrection.

Human disobedience corrupted the Cosmos. For this reason, God does not need a different plan of salvation for every other sort of creature. Christ did not come as a dog to save dogs, or as a juniper bush to save juniper bushes. He came as a Man, and by God becoming Matter, all Matter was transfigured.

All of the Cosmos will be finally and ultimately reconciled to God when the New Heaven and the New Earth are once again joined at the end of time. This includes the dogs and the juniper bushes, as well as the astrobiology.

Perhaps the Church could invent some kind of rite for sentient non-humans to express their need to feel a part of the salvation of the universe, as a pastoral measure. But I think telling them they are guiltless in the matter would be pretty nice to hear. To baptize an alien into the Church would be like muzzling your cat because your dog is biting people. The aliens haven't caused the universe to decay, so they have no reason to be part of the Church.

Catholics have more of an emphasis on reason and rationality whereas the Orthodox just see it as being the work of the Devil.

Come on, really?

For crying out loud, we have Orthodox in this thread saying that UFOs are demons trying to deceive us. Need I say more?

If you are referring to what I stated, I do not exactly believe that. I just said that "some people say it". There is a tremendous culture of people who believe it though, who I'd consider very educated.

Actually I think he might have been referring to Maria, who is actually schismatic and not Orthodox, and her reference to Fr. Seraphim Rose's view on the matter.

Though, I have encountered WAY more Protestants who believe that demons are devils (myself having been one at one point) than Orthodox who believe the same.

Well just to clarify (don't know if there was playful sarcasm in your statement) the argument made by the people on these claims are that:Demons = Demons (or devils sometimes)Aliens = Demons but just misinterpreted as UFO's & ET's. etc.

Basically that all the time that people believe that Aliens are just "visitors from space", they were really just demons that the person misunderstood.

The videos & things I've read are "interesting" on the subject. I don't personally condemn or condone what they are saying. At least you can't accuse me of not ever bringing you to the "weird part of the internet".

Catholics have more of an emphasis on reason and rationality whereas the Orthodox just see it as being the work of the Devil.

Come on, really?

For crying out loud, we have Orthodox in this thread saying that UFOs are demons trying to deceive us. Need I say more?

If you are referring to what I stated, I do not exactly believe that. I just said that "some people say it". There is a tremendous culture of people who believe it though, who I'd consider very educated.

Actually I think he might have been referring to Maria, who is actually schismatic and not Orthodox, and her reference to Fr. Seraphim Rose's view on the matter.

Though, I have encountered WAY more Protestants who believe that demons are devils (myself having been one at one point) than Orthodox who believe the same.

I am an Orthodox Christian under GOC/HOTCA. Except for the Julian calendar and the heresy of Ecumenism, we believe in the Seven Ecumenical Councils, have a continuation of Apostolic Succession, and maintain the unchanging Holy Faith as given by Christ to His Holy Apostles and to us.

I only referenced Father Seraphim Rose to see what others believe.

Personally, I believe that we on this earth are terribly self-centered to think that we are the only "humans" that God has ever created.God created this huge universe with an incredible diversity of life.Why could there not be reasonable beings on other planets in other galaxies?

Has anyone read the C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy?In Perelandra, the second book of his trilogy, a new "Adam" and a new "Eve" live on Venus. Will this "alien" couple fail to pass the test as did the earthly Adam and Eve? Would they need a Redeemer-God or did Christ redeem the entire universe with His Holy Crucifixion and Resurrection?

Logged

The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

Interestingly, Father Thomas Hopko stated in his little book on Confession that sin has a cosmic effect.

Our personal sins, as little as they may appear to us, effect the entire cosmos ... the entire universe.

Would not the Holy Crucifixion and Holy Resurrection of Christ also have a cosmic and universal effect?

Logged

The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

Catholics have more of an emphasis on reason and rationality whereas the Orthodox just see it as being the work of the Devil.

Come on, really?

For crying out loud, we have Orthodox in this thread saying that UFOs are demons trying to deceive us. Need I say more?

If you are referring to what I stated, I do not exactly believe that. I just said that "some people say it". There is a tremendous culture of people who believe it though, who I'd consider very educated.

Actually I think he might have been referring to Maria, who is actually schismatic and not Orthodox, and her reference to Fr. Seraphim Rose's view on the matter.

Though, I have encountered WAY more Protestants who believe that demons are devils (myself having been one at one point) than Orthodox who believe the same.

I am an Orthodox Christian under GOC/HOTCA. Except for the Julian calendar and the heresy of Ecumenism, we believe in the Seven Ecumenical Councils, have a continuation of Apostolic Succession, and maintain the unchanging Holy Faith as given by Christ to His Holy Apostles and to us.

I only referenced Father Seraphim Rose to see what others believe.

Personally, I believe that we on this earth are terribly self-centered to think that we are the only "humans" that God has ever created.God created this huge universe with an incredible diversity of life.Why could there not be reasonable beings on other planets in other galaxies?

Has anyone read the C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy?In Perelandra, the second book of his trilogy, a new "Adam" and a new "Eve" live on Venus. Will this "alien" couple fail to pass the test as did the earthly Adam and Eve? Would they need a Redeemer-God or did Christ redeem the entire universe with His Holy Crucifixion and Resurrection?

Catholics have more of an emphasis on reason and rationality whereas the Orthodox just see it as being the work of the Devil.

Come on, really?

For crying out loud, we have Orthodox in this thread saying that UFOs are demons trying to deceive us. Need I say more?

If you are referring to what I stated, I do not exactly believe that. I just said that "some people say it". There is a tremendous culture of people who believe it though, who I'd consider very educated.

Actually I think he might have been referring to Maria, who is actually schismatic and not Orthodox, and her reference to Fr. Seraphim Rose's view on the matter.

Though, I have encountered WAY more Protestants who believe that demons are devils (myself having been one at one point) than Orthodox who believe the same.

I am an Orthodox Christian under GOC/HOTCA. Except for the Julian calendar and the heresy of Ecumenism, we believe in the Seven Ecumenical Councils, have a continuation of Apostolic Succession, and maintain the unchanging Holy Faith as given by Christ to His Holy Apostles and to us.

I only referenced Father Seraphim Rose to see what others believe.

Personally, I believe that we on this earth are terribly self-centered to think that we are the only "humans" that God has ever created.God created this huge universe with an incredible diversity of life.Why could there not be reasonable beings on other planets in other galaxies?

Has anyone read the C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy?In Perelandra, the second book of his trilogy, a new "Adam" and a new "Eve" live on Venus. Will this "alien" couple fail to pass the test as did the earthly Adam and Eve? Would they need a Redeemer-God or did Christ redeem the entire universe with His Holy Crucifixion and Resurrection?

As I said, schismatic

If name calling makes you feel superior ...

However, it is very distracting and derails our conversations when you continually revert to name calling.

Logged

The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

Catholics have more of an emphasis on reason and rationality whereas the Orthodox just see it as being the work of the Devil.

Come on, really?

For crying out loud, we have Orthodox in this thread saying that UFOs are demons trying to deceive us. Need I say more?

If you are referring to what I stated, I do not exactly believe that. I just said that "some people say it". There is a tremendous culture of people who believe it though, who I'd consider very educated.

Actually I think he might have been referring to Maria, who is actually schismatic and not Orthodox, and her reference to Fr. Seraphim Rose's view on the matter.

Though, I have encountered WAY more Protestants who believe that demons are devils (myself having been one at one point) than Orthodox who believe the same.

I am an Orthodox Christian under GOC/HOTCA. Except for the Julian calendar and the heresy of Ecumenism, we believe in the Seven Ecumenical Councils, have a continuation of Apostolic Succession, and maintain the unchanging Holy Faith as given by Christ to His Holy Apostles and to us.

I only referenced Father Seraphim Rose to see what others believe.

Personally, I believe that we on this earth are terribly self-centered to think that we are the only "humans" that God has ever created.God created this huge universe with an incredible diversity of life.Why could there not be reasonable beings on other planets in other galaxies?

Has anyone read the C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy?In Perelandra, the second book of his trilogy, a new "Adam" and a new "Eve" live on Venus. Will this "alien" couple fail to pass the test as did the earthly Adam and Eve? Would they need a Redeemer-God or did Christ redeem the entire universe with His Holy Crucifixion and Resurrection?

As I said, schismatic

If name calling makes you feel superior ...

However, it is very distracting and derails our conversations when you continually revert to name calling.

I was merely saying you aren't of the Orthodox Church, but of a schismatic sect, as JamesR seemed to think otherwise; and I don't consider it name calling to apply a label correctly.

Interestingly, Father Thomas Hopko stated in his little book on Confession that sin has a cosmic effect.

Our personal sins, as little as they may appear to us, effect the entire cosmos ... the entire universe.

Would not the Holy Crucifixion and Holy Resurrection of Christ also have a cosmic and universal effect?

Back on topic ...

So, did Christ die once for all? Or did He not?

Logged

The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

Catholics have more of an emphasis on reason and rationality whereas the Orthodox just see it as being the work of the Devil.

Come on, really?

For crying out loud, we have Orthodox in this thread saying that UFOs are demons trying to deceive us. Need I say more?

If you are referring to what I stated, I do not exactly believe that. I just said that "some people say it". There is a tremendous culture of people who believe it though, who I'd consider very educated.

Actually I think he might have been referring to Maria, who is actually schismatic and not Orthodox, and her reference to Fr. Seraphim Rose's view on the matter.

Though, I have encountered WAY more Protestants who believe that demons are devils (myself having been one at one point) than Orthodox who believe the same.

I am an Orthodox Christian under GOC/HOTCA. Except for the Julian calendar and the heresy of Ecumenism, we believe in the Seven Ecumenical Councils, have a continuation of Apostolic Succession, and maintain the unchanging Holy Faith as given by Christ to His Holy Apostles and to us.

I only referenced Father Seraphim Rose to see what others believe.

Personally, I believe that we on this earth are terribly self-centered to think that we are the only "humans" that God has ever created.God created this huge universe with an incredible diversity of life.Why could there not be reasonable beings on other planets in other galaxies?

Has anyone read the C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy?In Perelandra, the second book of his trilogy, a new "Adam" and a new "Eve" live on Venus. Will this "alien" couple fail to pass the test as did the earthly Adam and Eve? Would they need a Redeemer-God or did Christ redeem the entire universe with His Holy Crucifixion and Resurrection?

As I said, schismatic

If name calling makes you feel superior ...

However, it is very distracting and derails our conversations when you continually revert to name calling.

I was merely saying you aren't of the Orthodox Church, but of a schismatic sect, as JamesR seemed to think otherwise; and I don't consider it name calling to apply a label correctly.

Goodness sakes!

Father Anastasios and I are members of the same Holy Church, the Holy Orthodox Church.We are both members of GOC/HOTCA.

Are you going to call Father Anastasios a schismatic too and continue to post on his board. He is the webmaster.

Please get back on topic, and stop this nonsense.

Did Christ did for all? Did His Holy Death redeem the entire universe or only Earthly beings called "humans?"

Logged

The memory of God should be treasured in our hearts like the precious pearl mentioned in the Holy Gospel. Our life's goal should be to nurture and contemplate God always within, and never let it depart, for this steadfastness will drive demons away from us. - Paraphrased from St. Philotheus of Sinai Writings from the Philokalia: On Prayer of the Heart,Translated from the Russian by E. Kadloubovksy and G.E.H. Palmer, Faber and Faber, London, Boston, 1992 printing.

Catholics have more of an emphasis on reason and rationality whereas the Orthodox just see it as being the work of the Devil.

Come on, really?

For crying out loud, we have Orthodox in this thread saying that UFOs are demons trying to deceive us. Need I say more?

If you are referring to what I stated, I do not exactly believe that. I just said that "some people say it". There is a tremendous culture of people who believe it though, who I'd consider very educated.

Actually I think he might have been referring to Maria, who is actually schismatic and not Orthodox, and her reference to Fr. Seraphim Rose's view on the matter.

Though, I have encountered WAY more Protestants who believe that demons are devils (myself having been one at one point) than Orthodox who believe the same.

I am an Orthodox Christian under GOC/HOTCA. Except for the Julian calendar and the heresy of Ecumenism, we believe in the Seven Ecumenical Councils, have a continuation of Apostolic Succession, and maintain the unchanging Holy Faith as given by Christ to His Holy Apostles and to us.

I only referenced Father Seraphim Rose to see what others believe.

Personally, I believe that we on this earth are terribly self-centered to think that we are the only "humans" that God has ever created.God created this huge universe with an incredible diversity of life.Why could there not be reasonable beings on other planets in other galaxies?

Has anyone read the C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy?In Perelandra, the second book of his trilogy, a new "Adam" and a new "Eve" live on Venus. Will this "alien" couple fail to pass the test as did the earthly Adam and Eve? Would they need a Redeemer-God or did Christ redeem the entire universe with His Holy Crucifixion and Resurrection?

As I said, schismatic

If name calling makes you feel superior ...

However, it is very distracting and derails our conversations when you continually revert to name calling.

I was merely saying you aren't of the Orthodox Church, but of a schismatic sect, as JamesR seemed to think otherwise; and I don't consider it name calling to apply a label correctly.

Goodness sakes!

Father Anastasios and I are members of the same Holy Church, the Holy Orthodox Church.We are both members of GOC/HOTCA.

Are you going to call Father Anastasios a schismatic too and continue to post on his board. He is the webmaster.

Please get back on topic, and stop this nonsense.

Did Christ did for all? Did His Holy Death redeem the entire universe or only Earthly beings called "humans?"

...No, I am not a priest. We no longer need a priest﻿ thanks to Jesus Christ, He is our final Priest. It is by His sacrifice and resurrection we have direct access to God, I have a personal relationship with Him, I do not have any official job or title concerning the Church...'

This was the first comment made by the guy who made that youtube video. He clearly is not an Orthodox Christian and seems to be caught up with certain Protestant heresies. I do not think that listening to an apostate about theology is really a good idea; nor do I see him as a credible source.

Either way, someone is being pretty rude to Maria. If you can accept Oriental Orthodox as being fully Orthodox and non-schismatic, then how come Maria is not considered Orthodox just because of the calendar? Or is there something more to this that I do not understand?

Either way, someone is being pretty rude to Maria. If you can accept Oriental Orthodox as being fully Orthodox and non-schismatic, then how come Maria is not considered Orthodox just because of the calendar? Or is there something more to this that I do not understand?

Hey, don't drag us into this dumb argument just because aliens built the pyramids...

...No, I am not a priest. We no longer need a priest﻿ thanks to Jesus Christ, He is our final Priest. It is by His sacrifice and resurrection we have direct access to God, I have a personal relationship with Him, I do not have any official job or title concerning the Church...'

This was the first comment made by the guy who made that youtube video. He clearly is not an Orthodox Christian and seems to be caught up with certain Protestant heresies. I do not think that listening to an apostate about theology is really a good idea; nor do I see him as a credible source.

Either way, someone is being pretty rude to Maria. If you can accept Oriental Orthodox as being fully Orthodox and non-schismatic, then how come Maria is not considered Orthodox just because of the calendar? Or is there something more to this that I do not understand?

Actually, I've made it fairly clear at many times on this board, that I do not accept the OO as being the Church.